Elizabeth Payne

Major: Global Studies
Minor: Political Science

Marketing Intern at Prevail Inc.

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I learned about this internship oppurtunity through networking with local leaders in Noblesville and seeing what internship and volunteering opportunities existed in my community where I could give back to Noblesville and learn from non-profit leaders.

What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?

Cast a broad net and do not be afraid to do something that is not exactly "on the dot" every experience will give you a chance to learn and grow and working in different sectors is such an eye opening experience as well. Government, non-profit, and private all have different things to offer and are all very different environments: all of which deal with IR, human rights, and global business.

What key responsibilities or projects have you taken on during your internship?

During my internship I assisted in designing graphics that informed and educated about the services that Prevail: a domestic violence and sexual abuse resource center provided. We also created informative content about what DV and SA look like and how to recognize it in our communities. Additionally, I was able to do outreach for our annual fundraising gala in order to secure silent auction donations. Learning how to communicate our mission and advocate effectively for something I cared deeply about was an amazing learning experience!

How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals? How did being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue apply to your internship?

This internship helped me to experience the non-profit realm from the inside for the first time. It showed me the hard work that goes into the behind-the-scenes of effectively fundraising, advocating, and working for a greater mission. This experience showed me the importance of connecting to purpose-driven work and why truly understanding a cause is pivotal in conveying it to others. My Global Studies education helped apply to this work because it gave me a background that allows me to approach each new experience with empathy and an understanding of the diverse lived experiences of others which is essential to the trauma-informed care provided by Prevail.

In what ways has the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University supported your internship journey? How has your participation in our Job-Ready program specifically aided your professional development?

Throughout my college career Job-Ready has been here to support me through my summers of growth and exploration. Whether it be serving in the Conservation Corps. of Maine and Colorado to acting as a Marketing Intern at Prevail this summer, CLA has supported my exploration and growth. Being a student in SIS, my professors understand and support the importance of interdisciplinary education inside and outside of the classroom. Having this support and understanding has allowed me to gain so much knowledge from so many experiences, knowing that it is teaching me so much more than one single path may have.

Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in the Job-Ready program that you find particularly noteworthy?

During this summer, I have the privilege to attend Prevail's 40th Anniversary Gala during which survivor speakers shared their stories with the audience. Experiencing the event after working on the prep and behind the scenes was so beautiful, and seeing the outpouring of support from the community for the mission was amazing. I felt so lucky to have Job Ready's support in being a part of something greater than myself this summer.